Director, Tax (U.S. Operations)

About the Role

The Director, Tax (U.S. Operations) is responsible for leading the company’s U.S. tax accounting, tax compliance, and tax reporting activities while serving as a strategic advisor to Finance leadership on tax matters impacting business operations, financial reporting, and growth initiatives. This role provides oversight of the U.S. tax function, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements while driving effective tax governance, risk management, and process excellence.

Reporting to the Head of Tax, the Director will partner closely with Accounting, Treasury, Legal, FP&A, Internal Audit, and external advisors to support tax planning initiatives, optimize tax processes, and ensure accurate tax accounting and reporting. This role also works closely with regional tax leaders outside the U.S. to support the global income tax provision process, including the coordination of permanent and temporary differences, discrete tax items, and uncertain tax positions across multiple jurisdictions. This position plays a critical role in maintaining a strong control environment, managing tax risk, and supporting the company's long-term financial objectives.

Responsibilities

• U.S. Tax Accounting & Reporting: Oversee the quarterly and annual income tax provision under ASC 740, including effective tax rate analysis, deferred tax accounting, uncertain tax positions, and tax-related disclosures supporting financial reporting requirements. Partner with regional tax leaders globally to gather and analyze information supporting the consolidated tax provision, including permanent and temporary differences, discrete items, and uncertain tax positions.
• Tax Compliance: Lead all U.S. federal, state, and local tax compliance activities, ensuring accurate and timely filings while maintaining compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations.
• Tax Risk & Internal Controls: Maintain a strong tax control environment, including SOX compliance, tax governance processes, risk assessments, and effective internal controls over tax accounting and reporting activities.
• Business Partnership & Advisory: Partner with Accounting, Treasury, FP&A, Legal, and business leaders to provide tax guidance on strategic initiatives, transactions, organizational changes, and operational decisions.
• Audit & Regulatory Matters: Manage tax audits, examinations, and inquiries, coordinating with external advisors and regulatory authorities to resolve issues and minimize tax risk.
• Tax Planning & Operational Support: Support tax planning initiatives and evaluate opportunities to improve tax efficiency while aligning with the company’s financial and operational objectives.
• Process Improvement & Technology: Drive continuous improvement efforts across tax processes, reporting, and data management, leveraging technology and automation to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• External Relationships: Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and other service providers to ensure high-quality support and effective execution of tax initiatives.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop tax professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Additional Responsibilities: Support Finance leadership with special projects, strategic initiatives, and emerging tax matters as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive tax experience, including leadership responsibility for tax accounting, tax reporting, and tax compliance activities.
• 3-5+ years of people management experience, including responsibility for leading and developing professional teams.
• Significant experience within a publicly traded company, large corporate environment, public accounting firm, or a combination thereof.
• CPA or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local tax laws, tax accounting principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong expertise in ASC 740, income tax provision processes, deferred tax accounting, and tax-related financial statement reporting.
• Experience managing tax audits, examinations, and interactions with external auditors and regulatory authorities.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, SOX compliance requirements, and tax governance frameworks.
• Experience collaborating with international and regional tax teams in support of a global tax provision process and multinational reporting environment.
• Proven ability to assess tax implications of complex business transactions and provide practical, business-focused recommendations.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple priorities and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public accounting experience, preferably with a Big Four or national accounting firm.
• Experience supporting SEC reporting requirements and tax disclosures for publicly traded companies.
• Experience leading tax integration, transformation, restructuring, or other complex strategic initiatives.
• Proven success implementing process improvements, automation solutions, or tax technology enhancements.

Location

The ideal candidate will be located in the Houston, TX or greater Washington D.C.-Baltimore area. While KBR offers flexible working arrangements, including hybrid, remote working, and virtual delivery.

Benefits

• 401K plan with company match
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D
• Flexible spending account
• Disability coverage
• Paid time off
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional training and development for career advancement

Additional Compensation

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may include sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.